Cuomo Acts to Advance Health Law in New York

Source: New York Times

ALBANY — Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, stepping into the national debate over President Obama’s health care law, used his executive power on Thursday to carry out one of its critical features in New York after the state’s Republican lawmakers blocked legislation to do so.

Mr. Cuomo, a Democrat who has generally avoided national politics even as he is often mentioned as a potential candidate for president, offered an enthusiastic endorsement of the benefits of the health care measure, which is currently being litigated before the Supreme Court and contested in this year’s presidential campaign.

As he issued an executive order to establish a health insurance exchange, an online marketplace where individuals and small businesses can choose among competing health insurance plans, Mr. Cuomo said it would drive down the cost of insurance while helping the 2.7 million uninsured New Yorkers get affordable coverage.

“The bottom line,” Mr. Cuomo said in a statement, “is that creating this health exchange will lower the cost of health insurance for small businesses, local governments and individual New Yorkers across the state.”

2. Can't you just admit something positive happened? JFC...

Guess what, I live in New York too, I'm a card-carrying liberal, and I am ECSTATIC that Governor Cuomo took this important first step, on an issue that means a lot to me.

Maybe I'll be able to afford health insurance soon! I can't wait! Right now, the plan I want (the plan that covers everything) is $1,300... PER MONTH!!!! I can pay less for a plan with half-ass coverage, but if I get sick, I'll go bankrupt because of the co-pays, and the high cost of treatment.

Good job Governor Cuomo! It's awful to see the NY state legislature tying everything up because they are dysfunctional!